Thursday, April 5, 2018

If There are Treats!

As pet owners we all have those moments that we know will literally cause our hearts to stop. I had one of those moments this morning.

Todd is never allowed to be off lead outside our fence. This morning when Carl left for work, in the darkness he didn't get the gate latched. After he'd gone I let the dogs out. The others came back inside, and as I always do, I left Todd outside for awhile. I loose track of time on my days off, so I'm not sure how much time passed. But when I went to bring Todd inside for his breakfast, there was a strange silence as I called him several times and he didn't come, and I didn't see him. It only took me a minute to see the blown open gate, and realize that Todd was gone!

With my heart in my throat, I kept calling him, knowing that in the wide open space of the country where we live, Todd could be anywhere. I tried not to panic and continued calling for him. And, just like that, there Todd was, standing on the far side of the yard, on the other side of the fence, his tail wagging and looking at me.

I knew that Todd coming to me would have to be his idea. So I kept the mood light and kept talking to him as I quickly went inside for treats to bribe him with. I opened the gate on the front porch, called him, showed him the treats, and he happily came to me. I gave Todd the handful of treats, and there was celebration from both of us, and he quickly raced from one end to the other of the porch, stopping only for a moment to jump up on me, as I told him over and over what a good Scottie he was! The celebration continued inside, as I overindulged and calmed my nerves and racing heart with early morning treats.

I also gave thanks for this Scottie that has maybe, just maybe learned to come when called. Providing of course, that there are treats involved.

Oh my I got scared right till the you said he wast far and came to you FEW ! Yes Terriers don't seem to come when called on your terms unless there is a treat involved and it seems like their idea in the first place they are suborn for sure Miggs is part terrier and that part shows in the lack of coming to me when called lol ! Miggs did the same thing to me a few years ago and I found her in the field beside us having a ball meantime I was frantic . I am so glad Todd never got to far or worse lost . Now Todd stop giving mum a scare you dopey dog lol ! Hugs from Miggs and I to you both !

Good boy Todd! Fortunately Phoebe and Little Wonder are very good about responding to me, as they are always off leash when we are outside on our property. Come when called is the most important thing they can learn...it's a life saver.

Oh, I know that feeling when it feels as though the blood running through your body is ice cold.I am so thankful he didn't make a game of it, but came to you with the treats. Glad everyone is safe and sound and I hope you were able to enjoy your day off at home.Gus' Mom

'heart right up in your throat' is the description we all know only too well. and how wonderful of you to celebrate his coming to you and making it a good thing! when chastising him might have had a bad effect. coming home means treats and love! :) XOXO

I'm paranoid about the gates. They all have locks but I check and recheck them. At one time or another each dog has gotten out. The Porties all come when called. The two little girls run around looking for squirrels, then remember to come home but Sebastian takes off. It's easy to see how he got lost originally. The only way to capture him is to get the car out and open the door. He loves rides more than anything.

I'm so glad that he came back! Our R knows the word "treats". If he's being really resistant to coming to us, we just say "treats", and he's at our feet in an instant. A dog recently got lost near us, and the owner said to say "bacon" if you saw her. Apparently, she'd come running if she heard that word!

I think my heart ”jiggled”. . . or stopped for a minute . . .Thankful Todd was coaxed with the treats and came back. Frightening for you I am sure!

We have had a couple of those moments when our Snickers was younger.Frightening to say the least.She has seldom been off her leash, has never been fenced in, and I am sure she really doesn’t understand boundaries. We walk her daily on a leash . . . At almost 13 years, if for some reason she slipped out the door not sure she would know how to find her way back home.

A Little About Me...

In 2007 my dream of living in the country and sharing it with senior Golden Retrievers came true when we moved to a small town in Northern Virginia into a home that would become 'Golden Pines.' Our lives are now filled with more rescued Goldens and Labs than I'll admit to, a Wheaten Terrier, a lively little Scottie named Todd, and one very tolerant cat and one that's not tolerant at all. This blog chronicles snippets of a life that has truly 'gone to the dogs!'